Lakewood teens sleep outside to raise funds for homeless

Cardboard boxes provided the only shelter Saturday night for about 30 teens spending the night outdoors to raise money and awareness for local agencies providing support for the homeless.

The Homeless Awareness Sleep Out, being staged for the 13th year, is a cornerstone ministry for the youth group of Lakewood Congregational Church, 1375 West Clifton Blvd.Members of the group, from grades 6 to 12, gathered Saturday afternoon to start building their box shelters, then spent the evening seeking donations from passersby in front of the church along Detroit Avenue. Collections resume after adult chaperones rouse the teens by 6 a.m. Sunday. They share their experiences and reflections at Lakewood Congregational’s 10 a.m. worship service.